Injury limits what Mackenzy Bernadeau can do for Cowboys

Posted by Michael David Smith on May 21, 2012, 7:48 AM EDT

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When the Cowboys signed offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernadeau to a four-year, $11 million contract, it was a surprisingly big investment considering that Bernadeau was a backup last year in Carolina. But the Cowboys liked Bernadeau’s potential to be a versatile player who had the opportunity to start at either center or guard in Dallas.

Unfortunately for the Cowboys, Bernadeau needed hip surgery last week and will miss all of the Cowboys’ organized team activities and minicamp, and probably at least some of training camp as well. And that means the Cowboys will likely only have time to work him into the offensive line at guard, not at center.

Garrett said the Cowboys will need a young offensive lineman to step up while Bernadeau is out.

“He just has to be aggressive in his rehab and get back as quickly as he can,” Garrett said. “We have a number of options in the offensive line and we’re excited to see those guys.”

Two 2011 draft picks, David Arkin (who didn’t play at all as a rooke) and Bill Nagy (who played four games) are the two guards who will get a chance to show they deserve to be starters while Bernadeau is recovering.